Towel clamp



Dec. 15, 1964 c. A. NICKASON 3,160,937

TOWEL CLAMP Filed Nov. 27, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet l Dec. 15, 1964 c. A. NICKASON TOWEL CLAMP 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 2'7 1962 9M M 4.47M

Dec. 15, 1964 c. A. NICKASON 3,160,937

TOWEL CLAMP Filed Nov. 27, 1962 s Sheets-Sheet a United States Patent 9 claims. (or. 24-263) This invention relates to a clamp and more particularly to a clamp for detachably securing towels, wash cloths or the like, to a wall or other suitable support.

Numerous devices are known for use in clamping a strap. These known devices normally include a bar adapted to slide upon a pair of spaced legs and wherein the legs are interconnected at opposite ends by a pair of spaced transverse members. The article to be clamped is normally rectangular in cross section and this same shape corresponds to that between the movable bar and the adjacent end bar interconnecting the spaced legs. In the event such a device is used for grasping a towel, the squared edges cut and damage the material.

Devices are also known for use in grasping the corner of a towel. However, they normally involve considerable difliculty in inserting a towel thereinto and also in removing the same. Furthermore, such devices normally provide a poor grasp upon the towel.

The above disadvantages are overcome by the present mvention.

Accordingly, the present invention consists of a clamping device having a first member adapted to be secured to a retaining means and a second member slidably mounted on said first member for relative movement with respect thereto, said first and said second member each including arcuate portions, adapted to co-operate to grasp a flexible article therebetween. The arcuate portion of said second member including a pair of spaced bars interconnected at opposed ends and having said first member interposed therebetween.

The invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is an elevational view of a clamp constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is an elevational view of a modified clamp;

FIGURE 3 is a rear elevational view illustrating a towel clamped therein;

FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a clamp secured at one end to a wall and clamped to a towel at the opposite end;

FIGURE 5 is an elevational, sectional view along section 5-5 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 6 is an oblique view of a modified sliding member;

FIGURE 7 is :a rear elevational view of the modified clamp utilizing the slider illustrated in FIGURE 6; and

FIGURE 8 is a front elevational view of a still further modified clamp.

FIGURE 9 is a front elevational view of a clamp including a modified slider; FIGURE 10 is a similar view illustrating a further modified slider and modified slider movement restriction means;

FIGURE 11 is an oblique view of the slider illustrated in FIG. 10;

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legs 12 and 13, interconnected at one end by an integral semi-circular portion 14 and terminating at the opposite end in a pair of hooks 15 and 16 directed inwardly toward one another. An eye screw 17 for attaching the assembly to a wall is grasped by the hooks 15 and 16. A sliding member 18, consisting of an annular piece formed from a length of wire folded upon itself, is mounted upon the closed loop 11. The slider 18 consists of a pair of spaced, semi-circular bars 19 and 20 joined together at the outer extremities 21 and 22. These outer extremities 21 and 22 lie on the outside of the closed loop 11. The

slider further includes an upper surface 23 and a pair of surfaces 29 and 29A between the bars. The upper surface provides a support for a towel cloth or flexible sheet of material or other similar article, and thelower surfaces 29 and 29A'together with the loop end semi-circular 7 portion 14, provides a clamp.

The arcuate shape of the slider is an important aspect of the present invention. The portion of the bar between the joined outer extremities is readily deformed. This is due to the greater leverage of the particular construction. The arcuate bars further leave substantially the entire area of the loop 11 unobstructed for the purpose of inserting the article.

Various means may be employed to limit the amount of relative movement between the slider and the closed loop. FIG. 1 illustrates one such means wherein the semicircular portion 14 is of larger diameter than the spacing of the loop walls 12 and 13, thereby forming, respectively, shoulders 23 and 24, against which the slider extremity portions 21 and 22 may abut.

As shown in FIG. 2 the loop side walls 12A and 13A include an enlargement 25 formed from respective outwardly projecting portions 26 and 27. The enlargement 25 limits the relative movement between the loop and the slider in one direction and the enlarged semi-circular portion 14A limits the movement in the opposite direction. Obviously, the inside diameter of the semi-circular slider is less than the outside diameter of the enlarge merits which provide the stops. FIGURES 6, 7 and 8 illustrate a still further modified form of limiting the relative movement of the slider. FIGURE 6 illustrates a semi-circular slider formed from a single length of wire originally in a loop and folded upon itself to provide a pair of opposed portions 198 and 293. These opposed portions are interconnected, between the outer extremities 21B and 22B by a connecting member 30. This connecting member is curved upwardly to allow the slider portions 19B and ZhB to seat themselves one on each side of the loop semi-circular end portion. in FIG. 4, wherein the towel is clamped between the semicircular end portion l-tC and the slider opposed portions 19 and 20C. FIGURE 4, however, does not illustrate a cross bar similar to cross bar 30, shown in FIGURE 6.

This type of slider, as shown in FIG. 7, permits the use of the loop having substantially parallel leg portions 12C and 13C and obviates the need for an enlarged end portion.

FIGURE 8 illustrates a further slider retaining means consisting of a pair of opposed projecting portions 31 and 32 formed integrally with the loop legs 12D and 1313 re'-' spectively.

The above describedclamp, including its various modifications, may be secured to a Wall by the eye screw 17, or a clamp 31 as illustrated in FIG. 4, or any other suitable means. The entire clamp assembly, excluding its retaining means, may readily be removed as hook portions 15 and 16, formed integrally with the legs 12 and 13, are readily movable with respect to one another.

Disclosed, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, is a clamp for use preferably in detachably securing 'towels to a This arrangement is similar to that shown support and wherein such device includes an arcuate slider element formed generally from an annular member folded upon itself. v

In a modified form, the slider for use in cooperation with a first member to form a clamp consists of a length of wire bent to form a first pair of spaced substantially parallel arcuate portions interconnected at opposite ends by a second pair of arcuate members oppositely directed outwardly from the center of said first arcuate members and. transversely thereto. 7

Shown in FIG. 9 is a portion of a wire 100 bent to form a loop 101 having an enlarged semi-circular end portion 102. Loop 101 may include integnally for-med projecting portions 103 adjacent theopposite end, the purpose of which will become more apparent hereinafter. The loop terminates in the end opposite to the semicircular portion, a pair of oppositely bent hooks 164 and 105. The wire 100 is preferably highly resilient thereby permitting relative movement of one hook with respect to the other to detachably secure the loop to a suitable retaining means. a

A modified slider 106 consisting of a length of wire is formed into a pair of semi-circular spaced parallel portions 107 and res interconnected at opposite ends by a pair of arcuate members 109 and 110. 1 f

The arcuate members 163% land 110 are directed outwardly opposite from one another and are transverse to the planelo f the parallel portions 137 and 108. Mombers 1091and 111 are preferably formed integral with the wire forming the slider and as shown in FIG. 9, they connecting adjacent ends of the slider areuate portions bears against the opposite surface of the leg portions Off the loop. The pair of plastic tubes and the end interconnecting portions thereby limits the relative movement of the slider and the loop.

The wire preferably is a steel or other resilient material and may be chromed, plastic covered or otherwise treated to present a pleasing appearance. To clamp a towel in the device, a corner of the towel is threaded through between the upper surface 28. of the slider and the end of the loop containing the integral hooks and '16. The slider is then raised and the end of the towel is further threaded through between the slider and the arcuate end 14.

loop end semi-circular portion 14. The slider may then An important feature of the design of the clamping device is "the curved surfaces utilized on the slider and the cooperating portion of the. loop which causes bunching of the towel therebetween which, in turn, creates a cushioning effect that prevents "cutting and tearing of the towel.

may be reversely bent to lie substantially flat against 7 a portion of the outer circumference of the opposite end 110A are directed substantially radially outwardly of the semi-circular slider.

From either of the forms illustrated in FIGS, 9 and 10, it may be readily. seen that the arcuate members interconnecting the spaced sem-i-circular portions 107 and 108 permit the latter to be of greater equal or less radius than the loop end semi-circular portion 102.

In FIG. 9, the projections 103 and semi-circular portion 102 limits the relative movement of slider 106 with respect -to loop 161. FIG. 10 illustrates a further modified form of relative movement limiting means wherein the loop 111 consists of a pair of substantially parallel leg portions 112 and 113 interconnected at one end and by a semi-circular portion 114 and terminating at the opposite end in a pair of hooks 115 and 116. Apair of members 117 and 118 are connected to respective legs 112 and 113 and spaced therefrom to define a pair of slots 119 and 129. The arcuate members 109A and 1111A of slider 166' slide in the respective slots. 119 and 120 and thereby limit the relative movement of one member with respect to the other. V

In FIG. 12, it Will be noted that the slider 106 is adapted'in its lower position to project downwardly below the loop arcuate end portionlltlZ. This is particularly desirable'when used for clamping a material such as silk to thereby increase the holding force. The

T 0 release the towel from the clamping device, it is merely necessary to give the towel a quick pull or snap upwardly;

I claim:

l. A clamping device for grasping a towel or the like flexible material adjacent an edge thereof comprising a first substantially U, shaped member having a pair of spaced leg portions interconnected at one end by a semicircular end portion and terminating at the opposite end in a pair of oppositely directed hooks adapted to be detachably secured to an anchoring means and a second member slidably mounted to slide along the leg portions of said firstrnember, said second member comprising a pair of spaced arcuate, substantially parallel bars movable with respect to one another in a direction toward and away from one another and interconnected at opposed ends by further arcu'ate portions, said further arcuate portions having the axis thereof substantially normal to theaxis of said bars and thereby being adapted to slidably embrace a portion of the respective legs or said first member, said bars being disposed respectively one on each side of said first ;member and radially outwards of the semi-circular end portion of the first member when said first and second members are in an 'article clamping position, said material being .threadedin such manner holding force is increased since the material over the top of both the slider and the loop is insliding, contact with the material-threaded through and overlying only the loop end. It will also be noted the slider portions 167 and 108 are spaced considerably from the loop 'arcuate portion 102.' This is merely for clarity of illustnationvand in actual fact the portions 107 and 1118 will be adjacent to opposite sides of the loop.

FIG. 13 illustrates a modified slider the inside surface of the leg. The end portions inter was wherein the spaced arcuate portions1Q7B and 10813 are interconnected whereby a tensile force thereoncauses said barslto move in a direction toward one another to effect clamping of said material between the bars and. the arcu-ate portion of the first member.

2. A clamping device for grasping a towel or the like flexible piece of material comprising a first substantially U-shaped menrber including spaced leg portions having means at one end. thereof to provide detachable secure ment to an anchor and terminating at the opposite end in an arcuate portion, and asecond member slidably mounted on said first member for selective, relative movement with respect thereto along said legiportions, said second member including an arcuate portion cooperating,

in an article gripping position, with the :arcuate portion of said'first member to grasp said flexible material thereapart a selected distance and having the said first member interposedtherebetween, said arcuate bars and the arcuate portion of the first member being substantially in alignment in said article gripping position and said material being threaded in such manner whereby a tensile force thereon causes said bars to move in a direction toward one another to effect clamping of said material between the barns and the arcuate portion of the first member.

3. A device as defined in claim 2 wherein said first member consists of a length of resilient Wire formed into a U-sbaped member having said arcuate portion at one end and having the legs thereof tenninating at the opposite end in a hook, the hook of one leg overlapping the hook of the other and being oppositely directed with respect to one another.

4. A clamping device as defined in claim 2 wherein said second member consists of an annular member folded upon itself to provide a slider consisting of a pair of spaced, semi-circular bars interconnected at their outer extremities.

5. A clamping device for clamping a towel or the like flexible piece of material comprising an elongated loop and an arcuate member selectively slida'bly mounted thereon, said loop including a pair of spaced, substantially parallel leg portions interconnected at one end by an arcuate portion and terminating at the opposite end in a pair of oppositely directed open hook members, said arcwate member being slidable talong'the leg portions of the first member and in an article gripping position, cooperating with the arcuate end of said loop to clamp said piece of material therebetween, said arcu-ate memher comprising a pair of spaced, arcuate, substantially.

parallel bars interconnected at opposite ends thereof and having a major portion intermediate such ends relatively movable with respect to one another in a direction toward and away from one another, said bars being spaced apart a selected distance and disposed one on each side of said loop, the arcuate portion of said loop and said bars being substantially in alignment in an article gripping position and said material being threaded in such manner whereby a tensile force thereon causes said-bars to move in a direction toward one another to effect clamping of said material between the bars and the arcuate portion of the loop.

6. A clamping device as defined in claim 5, wherein said selective relative movement of said members is effected by projections formed integrally with each leg portion of said loop, said projections being directed outwardly from said loop. T

7. A clamping device as defined in claim 5 wherein the arcuate portion of said loop is semi-circular having a diameter greater than the distance between said legs thereby providing means to limit the relative movement of said members in one direction.

8; A clamping device for grasping a towel or the like flexible piece of material adjacent an edge thereof composite end in an arcuate portion, a second member slidably mounted on said first member for selective, relative movement with respect thereto along said leg portions and means to limit the relative movement of said members,sa.id second member consisting of a pair of spaced, arcuate, substantially parallel, resilient bars interconnected at opposite ends thereof and deformable to provide movement of such bars for a major portion intermediate said ends in a direction toward and away from one another, said bars normally being disposed at a selected distance from one another and having the interconnected ends slidably engaging an associated one of the leg portions of said first member, said members in an article gripping position being disposed with the bars of the second member located one on each side of said first member and having the arcuate portion of said first member and the arcuate portion of said bars substantially in alignment, said material being threaded in such manner whereby a tensile force thereon causes said bars to move in a direction toward one another to effect clamping of said material between the bars and the arcuate portion of the first member.

9. A clamping device for gnasping a towel or the like flexible material comprising a first substantially U-shaped member having a pair of spaced leg portions interconnected at one end by an arcuate portion and adapted at the opposite end to be attached to an anchoring means,

a second member slidably mounted to move along said first member throughout the length of said leg portions, said second member comprising a pair of arcuate, sub stantially parallel, resilient bars interconnected at opposite ends thereof respectively by an outwardly bent portion, the latter partially embracing the respective leg portion of said first member, the resilience of said bars permitting deformation thereof selectively to move in a direction toward and away from one another, said bars being disposed respectively one on each side of said first member and in an article gripping position, being substantially coincident with -at least a major portion of the arcuate portion of the first member, said material being threaded in such manner whereby a tensile force thereon cause-s said bars to move in a direction toward one another to effect clamping of said material between the bars and the arcuate portion of the first member.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS DONLEY I STOCKING, Primary Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No, 3,160 ,937 December 15, 1964 Charles A. Nickason It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

In the drawings: In Fig, l, the lead line for reference numeral 15 is extended to indicate the hooked end portion of leg 13 disposed below the hook 16 of the leg 12., i

In Fig. 2, reference numeral "14a" is changed to 14A In Fig. 4, reference numeral 28 and a lead line are added to indicate the upper surface of the slider; reference numerals 29 and 29A and lead lines are added to indicate respective adjacent surfaces of the slider legs; and reference numeral 31 and lead line are added to indicate the bracket by which the loop is secured to the vertical wall structure.

In Fig. 5, reference numeral 29A and a broken lead line are added and the broken lead line of reference numeral 29 is extended to indicate respective adjacent surfaces of the slider legs.

In Fig. 6, the reference numeral "19b" is changed to 19B the, reference numeral "20b" to 20B the'refer ence numeral "21b" to 21B and the reference numeral "22b" to 22B In Fig, 7, reference numeral "12b" is changed to 12C and reference numeral "13b" is changed to 15C and reference numeral 11C and an arrowed lead line are added to indicate the loop.

In Fig. 8 reference numeral "12c" is changed to 12D and reference numeral "13d" is changed to 13D In Figs 9, an arcuate bar is added to indicate the portion of the slider 106 disposed rearwardly of the loop; and reference numerals 107 and 108 and lead lines areadded to indicate respective spaced bars of the slider 106a In Fig, 12, reference numeral "105" is changed to 106 In Fig. 13, an arcuate bar is added to indicate the portion of the slider disposed rearwardly of the loop; reference numeral "l08b" is changed to 108B and the lead line is extended to indicate the added arcuate bar; reference numeral "l07b" is changed to -107B reference numeral 106B and an arrowed lead line are added to indicate in general the slider; and reference numeral 127 and lead line are added to indicate the member interposed. between the hook portions 125 and 126 of the slider and the adj acei t legs of the loop.

column 2, line 53, strike out "14C"; line 54, strike out 19 and ZOC'Y; column 3, line 16, for "in" read -at line 17, after "portion," insert in line 40, after f'greater" insert a comma.

Signed and sealed this 14th day of September 1965.

(SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST W. SWIDER EDWARD J. BRENNER Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. A CLAMPING DEVICE FOR GRASPING A TOWEL OR THE LIKE FLEXIBLE MATERIAL ADJACENT AN EDGE THEREOF COMPRISING A FIRST SUBSTANTIALLY U SHAPED MEMBER HAVING A PAIR OF SPACED LEG PORTIONS INTERCONNECTED AT ONE END BY A SEMICIRCULAR END PORTION AND TERMINATING AT THE OPPOSITE END IN A PAIR OF OPPOSITELY DIRECTED HOOKS ADAPTED TO BE DETACHABLY SECURED TO AN ANCHORING MEANS AND A SECOND MEMBER SLIDABLY MOUNTED TO SLIDE ALONG THE LEG PORTIONS OF SAID FIRST MEMBER, SAID SECOND MEMBER COMPRISING A PAIR OF SPACED ARCUATE, SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL BARS MOVABLE WITH RESPECT TO ONE ANOTHER IN A DIRECTION TOWARD AND AWAY FROM ONE ANOTHER AND INTERCONNECTED AT OPPOSED ENDS BY FURTHER ARCUATE PORTIONS, SAID FURTHER ARCUATE PORTIONS HAVING THE AXIS THEREOF SUBSTANTIALLY NORMAL TO THE AXIS OF SAID BARS AND THEREBY BEING ADAPTED TO SLIDABLY EMBRACE A PORTION OF THE RESPECTIVE LEGS OF SAID FIRST MEMBER, SAID BARS BEING DISPOSED RESPECTIVELY ONE ON EACH SIDE OF SAID FIRST MEMBER AND RADIALLY OUTWARDS OF THE SEMI-CIRCULAR END PORTION OF THE FIRST MEMBER WHEN SAID FIRST AND SECOND MEMBERS ARE IN AN ARTICLE CLAMPING POSITION, SAID MATERIAL BEING THREADED IN SUCH MANNER WHEREBY A TENSILE FORCE THEREON CAUSES SAID BARS TO MOVE IN A DIRECTION TOWARD ONE ANOTHER TO EFFECT CLAMPING OF SAID MATERIAL BETWEEN THE BARS AND THE ARCUATE PORTION OF THE FIRST MEMBER. 